Construction Millwright Job Description

The Millwright moves and installs heavy machinery. Normally Millwrights work for industrial plants, construction companies, firms that make machinery and companies that specialize in installing heavy equipment.

Primary Objectives:

• The Millwright primary objective is that of installing heavy machinery.

• The Millwright primary objective may include the moving of heavy equipment.

• The Millwrights primary objective is to become skilled in many construction activities such as bricklaying, painting, plumbing, welding and electrical work.

• The Millwright knows that all of these activities are a part of his job and he tries to make sure that he is capable of a handling them and being licensed in certain activities that require a licensing.

The Millwright uses these and other skills to build concrete foundations for heavy equipment, assemble new machines, and replace worn parts. They must have knowledge of building materials in order to construct the foundation in different types of flooring. The Millwright must know how to operate hoists, jacks, and other rigging devices. In smaller construction plants the Millwright may also do much of the plumbing, electrical work, carpentry and routine repair work. Most Millwrights work in larger plants and they are then able to specialize in one area.

The Millwright may choice to work for firms that specialize in installing one type of machinery. In this manner they can be specialized in the field that they prefer such as working for a firm that has paper mill equipment or automobile assembly line conveyors for instance gives them the opportunity to just stick with that type of Millwright work. A Millwright may be an expert machine mover and installer, while another Millwright may focus on just being the installer. Then there are those Millwrights who prefer to specialize in maintenance work.

The Millwright must have a high school diploma and take courses in mathematics, science, mechanical drawing, and electricity, as well as wood, metal, and machine shop. The Millwright must be capable of giving directions on a continuous basis so any course in communication skills, such as English or speech. The Millwright may get his training through a formal union apprenticeship program. Millwrights usually belong to a union to guarantee their wage and benefit programs as well as their safety regulations. The local union in your area may offer an apprenticeship program. The program is usually a four year on the job training program with classroom instruction. These programs usually include shop instruction in electricity, welding, and rough carpentry, handling structural steel, and servicing equipment.

Some Millwrights learn through what is called an informal trainee program. This consists of working under the supervision of a skilled Millwright. When a person is being trained in this manner then they work on jobs as they become available and after several years of experience the helper can usually become a fully qualified Millwright. Advance in this field depends on skill and experience. The more skilled you are the higher your earnings will be. Eventually some Millwrights become supervisors enabling them to instruct others on how to perform their duties and what jobs to do. They still do their own work as a Millwright. The employment possibilities depend on how the construction industry changes in these economic conditions fair. It is predicted that automation and technological advances will also contribute to the decline in employment opportunities for Millwrights.

The working conditions for a Millwright may vary as they will depend on the job. Most Millwrights work indoors but they must handle oil, grease, and sharp pieces of metal and heavy objects. The Millwright should be strong and quick and physically fit. The job often calls for a lot of lifting, climbing, and physical force. A good Millwright should also be good at problem solving. The normal workweek consists of a forty-hour workweek. When the Millwright works extra hours they normally are paid time and half and even double time depending on the hours and the time that they work. Sunday and Holiday work is usually paid the double time wage. The Millwright who works in a factory generally finds employment to be steady, however, those who work for construction companies and contractors may experience periods of unemployment. Most Millwrights do receive great benefits as well as a good wage.

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